Day 6- Wed.July 7/16

When I was setting up camp, I was joined by other cyclists who are doing The Cabot Trail but they have a support vehicle which means they don`t carry bags. I should try that.

It rained first thing in the morning so I didn`t get started til 9:30am. If there is a Tim Horton`s when I start I will have a small hot choc. with a blt on a multi grain bagel and two choc. timbits. That is all I need. Also I have been having wherever I stop for food I get the water bottles filled with ice and then I will fill the rest with g2. It is good.

I am now on The Cabot Trail and right away a hill. It is very pretty riding along the St. Annes channel and I have been looking for that guard rail where Lloyd`s daughter signed the year before. I couldn`t find it. AAAH. Having the camera on the aero bar is working really good, don`t have to get off the bike. While riding I saw this tall mt. and then I saw vehicles on the mt. and I said to myself do I have to climb that. I got off the bike, had a drink and getting myself focused. When I got to the base I checked the time to see how long this ride going to take. It was slow going and after each turn more elevation and finally after 27mins. I got to the top and there was a lookout and I just collapsed. People who were already there congratulated me and I asked if they could take a picture of me. I wrote on the guard rail worst hill ever. The name of the mt. is smokey. The previous worst hill ever was the hill going up to Lake Louise in 2011.

I had to pay a fee going through the Highlands National Park. I took my last break at 100kms. to reach campsite 44kms. in South Harbour. The weather is getting nasty and cold temp. and windy. I had to put on a long sleeve shirt and I should have worn my full gloves but I didn`t. As each hour went by I was wondering if I am going to make it. Just like day 2 it could have rained anytime, but it didn`t. I made it to the campsite and the people asked where did I start. I said Baddeck and they were shocked. I told them about Smokey and they said you know you climbed another mt. between Smokey and here. I didn't even realize they called that a mt. The lady had homemade chili and beer waiting for me after I setup the tent. I will be wearing jammies and socks in the sleeping bag.

Tonight I am camping at the Hideaway in South Harbour

Today`s ride- 137 kms.  Total- 779 kms.